The fashion industry in PNG has really picked up, only this year, with more events staged to promote local designers.
Following from the Project Runway on July 30 that saw 10 local designers stage 71 outfits, the PNG Fashion week on August 20 will feature seven local designers.
From a designers view, these events are blessings as described by Natasha Tamanabae of Elite Fashion Club.
Tamanabae is an upcoming designer who has been making a name in the industry with her unique BAIWA brand and using these platforms to promote her brand.
“We need a platform, a place where we can sell our staff and also be recognised and also to promote PNG.
“We can be very talented but one thing I know with my line is that it’s very unique because I use a lot of Tapa cloth,” Natasha said.
“I’m sure a lot of the designers use traditional motifs in their designs which are pretty unique and I think the world needs to do this. It needs to go out, we need to share it,” she added.
She thanked the PNGFW for another opportunity.
“This is truly a blessing and a very good platform for us. As a designer, there are a lot of challenges and opportunities like this is one that we really look for to sell our products.”
Natasha said she will be bringing something new to the runway during the PNGFW.
(The BAIWA brand has been promoted on a number of local runways, such as the Project Runway 2016 last month)